Meet the woman who helped Priyanka Chopra go from pretty to gritty for Mary Kom biopic

By Bharati Dubey |Posted 30-Apr-2014

Jharna Sanghvi, who trained Priyanka Chopra for her upcoming film on champion boxer Mary Kom, says the actress' sheer grit saw her sail through a tough regimen

If you wondered how pretty Priyanka Chopra took to the rigours of a boxer in preparation for her upcoming biopic on Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Mary Kom, hear it from the lady, who helped bring about the transition.

Priyanka Chopra

Perfect postureTwenty-two-year old boxer Jharna Sanghvi, who has been training the actress over the last few months, has hailed the star’s commitment. “Priyanka was very keen to learn all of Mary Kom’s moves. It was not easy, but she has managed it pretty well. We have watched some of Mary Kom’s previous matches to learn a thing or two about her style and posture, after which we have gone back and tried to inculcate it in our practice. Priyanka was very curious to know about boxers, their eating, training habits, style of clothing etc. She has been training for nearly four months now,” Sanghvi told mid-day recently.

Boxer Jharna Sanghvi

The Nagpur girl, was at the senior national camp when she was offered the opportunity to train Priyanka. “The film’s producers wanted a female professional trainer and called me. I was at the India camp where Mary Kom has been my senior, so I know her boxing style well. She has a unique style which is difficult to pick easily,” added Sanghvi.

Mary Kom

In fact, such has been Priyanka’s effort that at times she has even surprised Sanghvi with her moves in the ring being identical to those of five-time world champion Mary Kom. Sanghvi has not just trained Priyanka, she has also choreographed a few matches and training sessions of Mary Kom that were recreated for the film.